And Benitez has revealed his future at the club should be concluded within a ‘couple of weeks maximum’.

Speaking after a meeting with club managing director Lee Charnley, Benitez said: “We have a good relationship. He is professional and so I am; we first have analysed what went wrong.

“What we said in this meeting is ‘we will have more meetings’ so it was very positive in terms of the things we were discussing and I can say to the fans that we will continue.

“I am quite happy with everything here. Can we improve things? Can we change some things? Then it will be easier for me to make a decision. Obviously these conversations are with this idea.

“We are working as professionals and we are talking and I think in a couple of weeks maximum, maybe, we will have an idea.

“But if I am here and I am discussing these things it’s because in my head it’s a chance, it’s a good chance. We have to keep talking

“We need a structure to allow the club to compete. We want a strong team to be promoted to the Premier League again as soon as possible and that is the situation now

“I am happy to discuss all of these things. I am pleased with the first conversation.”

Newcastle sat 19th in the Premier League table when Benitez took over and though he claimed ten points from nine games, he could not save them from the drop.

The Magpies take on Tottenham in their final game of the season on Sunday, and Benitez insisted the team will look to end a disappointing campaign on a high.

“We have another game to play,” he said. “We must be professionals and do it the right way.

“It’s really bad for anyone. When you have this situation it doesn’t matter how big the club is.

“It’s disappointing for everybody but you have to accept what is going on and think of the future.”

Benitez also admitted he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received since arriving in the north east, and hopes his team can reward the fans by bowing out of the top flight with a bang when Spurs visit.

“I’m really happy with the reaction of the fans; I’m really impressed with them.” he said. “That’s it. Tomorrow they will show their appreciation and we will try to do well for them.

“That is the reason why I’m sitting here and considering the future in a very positive way and an open mind. We have to wait until this conversation next week.”